Roberto Garza

Infobox NFLactive


currentteam=Chicago Bears
currentnumber=63
currentpositionplain=Offensive guard
birthdate=birth date and age|1979|3|26
birthplace=Rio Hondo, Texas
heightft=6
heightin=2
weight=310
debutyear=2001
debutteam=Atlanta Falcons
college=Texas A&M-Kingsville
draftyear=2001
draftround=4
draftpick=99
pastteams=
* Atlanta Falcons (2001–2004)
* Chicago Bears (2005-present)
statweek=17
statseason=2007
statlabel1=Games Played
statvalue1=100
statlabel2=Games Started
statvalue2=70
statlabel3=Fumbles Recovered
statvalue3=1
nfl=GAR798176

Roberto Garza (born March 26, 1979 in Rio Hondo, Texas) is an American football guard for the Chicago Bears of the NFL.

High School Years

Garza attended Rio Hondo High School in Rio Hondo, Texas and was a letterman in football and track & field, and a member of his school's National Honor Society.

Post-High School

The son of immigrants from Mexico. He was encouraged to join the Marines after high school, his recruiter laughed in his face and said Mexicans don't play in the NFL. Despite that, Roberto insisted on his dream of playing football professionally, which he accomplished by first walking-on at Texas A&M, and then working to pay for school. While he was still in college, Garza's hometown of Rio Hondo, Texas established December 2nd as "Roberto Garza, Jr. Day", and subsequently named a street after him. Among the 1,700 NFL players in the 2006 season, Garza was one of only 19 Hispanics. [ [http://www.latimes.com/sports/columnists/la-sp-plaschke4feb04,0,5449141,full.column Perfection punched senseless - Los Angeles Times ] ]

Professional Career

He was originally selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the 99th overall pick of 2001 NFL Draft from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Garza played with the Falcons up until the 2004 season when his contract was up. He signed a one year contract with the Chicago Bears in 2005 and a six year contract extension in 2006. Garza was chosen to be the cover athlete of the Spanish version of Madden 09 En Español. [ [http://www.pastapadre.com/2871/random-topics-for-today-8] ]

Charitable work

Garza is a supporter and member of the United Way, a group of charitable organizations dedicated to helping less fortunate children and elderly. In 2006, Garza was named the Chicago Bears' nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. He has previously worked with the Empty Stocking Fund, the Atlanta Falcons' Feed The Homeless Campaign, and the Hall County Boys & Girls Club.

References

External links

* [http://www.robertogarza63.com/ Roberto Garza's official webpage]
* [http://www.chicagobears.com/news/InsideTheBearsStory.asp?story_id=2172# Official Chicago Bears Profile]